Lead Respiratory Care Practitioner

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) position functions in a lead role, for an assigned shift and/or area, performing lead job duties which include projects or specialized responsibilities as a regular part of their normal job responsibilities. In addition to the lead responsibilities, also performs duties and responsibilities at a Sr RCP level which include advanced procedures. This position serves as the liaison between management, staff and physicians for routine matters as the primary point of contact for resolving questions and issues for RCP's as well as support staff, resulting in the delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to standards of practice for optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service. Duties for the Lead RCP position may be varied and include many of the following: organizing work schedules, assigning work, reviewing time cards for accuracy, conducting quality assurance audits of staff performance, developing and implementing quality improvement activities, training and mentoring staff, providing feedback on staff performance and developmental needs, participating in the development of skills and performance of staff, collecting/analyzing/reporting on data, preparing reports on department performance and metrics, and other responsibilities of a similar nature and level.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills. Collaborates with management and all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

• Independently and expertly serves as the department primary resource for staff ensuring optimal department services and outcomes. Facilitates teamwork by coordinating department needs and responding positively to requests for assistance. Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results.

• Orients, guides and mentors team members consisting of RCP and Sr RCPs, students and support staff, to help build confidence and competency in skills, knowledge and abilities. Provides feedback to management on team member performance and conduct. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.

• Leads and initiates problem resolution within the work unit. Role-models skills, through peer-to-peer accountability, to optimize improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Executes above average clinical and critical thinking skills in challenging procedures and patient care situations, utilizing conflict management techniques as appropriate.

• Serves as liaison between team members, management and physicians, resolving routine matters for the shift/area.

• Proactively identifies needs for adjustment/intervention for optimum patient care and experience. Monitors and adjusts activities of the assigned team to ensure optimum patient throughput and patient experience. Drives service improvements to impact department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability for service standards.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts quality audits on equipment, processes, outcomes and team member performance. Documents, develops and evaluates processes, procedures and outcomes. Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement, providing recommendations, and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety.

• Provides direct assistance to physicians, performing tests as ordered, assessing and assuring quality, acceptability and reliability of results; takes corrective action and involves others as needed toward achievement of this end.

• Assists with development of policies, procedures, and protocols. Ensures compliance with accreditation standards, involved in obtaining and maintaining accreditation.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered.

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks and provides leadership to team members on effective and efficient utilization of time, minimizing incidental overtime. If assigned, accurately reviews team members' time cards for management approval.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Initiates and leads department projects and shared governance activities. Participates in one or more department committees or subcommittees and facilitates the accomplishment of the goals of the committee.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a RCP and leadership skills. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis.

• Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging students and co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Four years experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) with two years ICU, Neonatal and/or ER (preferred at HMCCH), and lead/supervisor experience. May consider HM employee with three years respiratory care experience, one year as a HM RCP and who demonstrates progressive leadership abilities

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC) AND
• RCP - Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner - State Licensure -- by the Texas Medical Board AND
• RRT-ACCS - Registered Respiratory Therapist Adult Critical Care Specialty (NBRC) within 6 months OR
• NPS - Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NBRC) within 6 months OR
• CPFT - Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (NBRC) within 6 months OR
• RPFT - Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (NBRC) within 6 months OR
• RRT-SDS - Registered Respiratory Therapist Sleep Disorder Specialty (NBRC) within 6 months OR
• AE-C - Certified Asthma Educator within 6 months OR
• TTS - Tobacco Treatment Specialist (NAAP) within 6 months OR
• RPSGT - Registered Polysomnographer Technologist (BRPT) within 6 months AND
• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA) AND
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support (AHA)

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation -- preferred, depending on area assigned OR
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support (AHA) -- preferred, depending on area assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Ability to work independently

• Capable of handling challenging/difficult diagnostic procedures and patient care situations

• Demonstrates sound judgment and executes above average clinical skills

• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Respiratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents

• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital opened in June 2017 as the eighth hospital in the Houston Methodist system. This 267-bed, 725,000-square-foot, full-service, acute-care hospital offers many of the same services as our flagship hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Also, on the beautiful hospital campus, located at the intersection of Interstate 45 and Texas State Highway 242, are two medical office buildings, which include a Breast Care Center; Cancer Center; infusion center; heart and vascular services; neurology; orthopedics and sports medicine; rehabilitation services; wellness services; an outpatient laboratory; and several other multispecialty physician practices. In January 2022, Houston Methodist The Woodlands opened Healing Tower — a $250 million expansion project that added 106 beds, focused on medical-surgical and women’s services, and provided nine operating rooms. The project also included the expansion of the endoscopy center, emergency department and diagnostic imaging department with an enhanced neurodiagnostic and interventional center.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

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